Still weathering the absence of captain Alexei Yashin, who may return to action in 7-10 days, and now without Trent Hunter for 2-4 weeks, the Islanders stand 14-7-3 since their 0-3 start as they play host to the Canadiens tonight (7:30, FSN, WBBR 1130-AM).

In addition to Viktor Kozlov, the NHL’s reigning No. 1 Star of the Week, Jason Blake also has helped pick up the slack. Blake shares the Isles’ team scoring lead with Yashin at 28 points, pacing the squad with 15 goals, his best start of his career.

Rick DiPietro may return to the net tonight for the Isles, after sitting out Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to Ottawa with a lower body injury. Mike Dunham suffered that loss.